Carrying the next generation of offshore mega-structures ///

In February, the world’s largest semisubmersible heavy transport vessel set out on its maiden voyage, carrying the world’s largest semisubmersible offshore platform hull. The Dockwise Vanguard performed its first float-on operation in South Korea, where it was built, before carrying the Jack/St Malo hull, which weighs almost 56,000 tons, to Kiewit yard in Ingleside, Texas. It is expected to reach its destination in early May. With a bow-less design that enables loading of longer cargoes and a loading capacity of up to 110,000 tons, the Dockwise Vanguard is intended to cater to the next generation of large offshore structures. Michel Seij of Dutch-based Dockwise spoke to World Oil about the rationale behind building this $240-million vessel.